Happenings

Owl Prowl takes place at 4 p.m. at Norristown Farm Park (meet at the office) Barley Sheaf Drive and Germantown Pike, East Norriton. Ages: adults and children 10 and older. Free but pre-registration is required by calling 610-270-0215. This is an indoor/outdoor program about owls, those mysterious creatures of the night. While organizers can’t guarantee that participants will either hear or see an owl, they do promise an evening of adventure.

GATSME Model Railroad Club is holding its last open house at its current location, Prospect and Madison avenues, Fort Washington, noon to 4 p.m. today and Jan. 19 and 20. The display is a 40’ x 50’ HO scale layout, based on central Pennsylvania in the mid 1950s. During the show there will be trains from all eras. Admission is free donations are accepted. Information: 215-646-2033 or www.gatsme.org.

Annual Model Railroad Open House takes place at Schuylkill Valley Model Railroad Club, 400 S. Main St. Phoenixville, (diagonally across from the Phoenixville Library) 1 to 5 p.m. today and Jan. 12, 13, 19 and 20. Freight and passenger trains pulled by steam or diesel engines over 700 feet of track depict four different railroads. Visitors could win a train set. Admission is free. Donations are gratefully accepted. Information: 610-935-1126 or www.svmrrc.com.

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“Winter Birds at Your Feeder” program co-sponsored by Bucks County Dept. of Parks and Recreation and Friends of Churchville Nature Center, takes place 2 p.m. at the center, 501 Churchville Lane, Churchville. Fee is $3 per person and reservations are requested by calling 215-357-5005.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Norristown Group of Alcoholics Anonymous holds an open AA 12-Step meeting at 5 p.m. every Sunday, at the Friends Fellowship Hall, 20 E. Jacoby St., Norristown. All are welcome to open meetings.

Addicts Victorious Support Group meets at 2:30 p.m. Sundays at the Christian Church of Divine Truth, 6065 E. Wister St., Philadelphia.

MONDAY, JAN. 7

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Soldier Care Packages items accepted daily for drop off at Stewart Middle School, 1315 W. Marshall St., Norristown, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone who knows of someone who is deployed in the military can contact the group with name and an address so a package can be mailed. Information: 610-275-6870.

Lower Providence Community Library, 50 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, offers story time at 10:30 a.m. for infants to age 2 and at 11:15 a.m. older 2s and 3-year-olds. Information: 610-666-6640 or www.lowerprovidencelibrary.org.

Wissahickon Valley Public Library, Blue Bell Branch, 650 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, knitting and crocheting group meets 10 a.m. year-round for those who want to work on a project or observe and learn. Yoga is at 1:30 p.m. Bring a mat and towel. Fee: $35 for eight classes or drop-in for $8 per class. Tai chi classes led by Dr. Kurt Findeisen are at 3 p,m. Fee: $35 for eight classes or drop-in for $8 per class. At 7 p.m., Socrates Cafe discusses issues or ideas chosen by group vote Free. Information: 215-643-1320 or www.wvpl.org.

Learn to line dance classes take place 7. to 8:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1710 Bethlehem Pike (Mill Road), Flourtown. Sign in by 6:45 p.m. Learn Philly line, Soul line, and a little bit of Country line dancing. For information call Joanne 610-322-2986, joannemurray47@yahoo.com or Carol484-919-3690, cpiantone1519@comcast.net.

ORGANIZATIONS

Knit-Knights Group meets 6:30 p.m. weekly at the Conshohocken Free Library, 301 Fayette St., Conshohocken. All are welcome to join in knitting, crocheting, conversation and “knit-networking” with a chance to learn new skills and share them in a relaxed environment. Numerous handmade items are donated to charity. Information: Peggy at 610-828-0568 or the library at 610-825-1656 or http://KnitKnights.com.

Collegeville Business Network Group (CBNG) weekly breakfast meeting, 8 to 9 a.m. at Collegeville Dinner, 290 E. Main St., Collegeville. Cost: $10. New members welcome. All attendees give a 30-second commercial. Opportunity to sign-up for 10-minute presentation. Business cards exchanged. Information: Barbara Ayling at 610-489-6881 or Babe4899@aol.com; or Rick Bergami at 484-921-4150.

The Liberty Belles are seeking women singers who would like to experience barbershop harmony. Rehearsals are Mondays at 7 p.m. at St. John’s U.C.C. Church, Main and Richardson streets, Lansdale. Ability to read music is helpful but not necessary. Information: 610-584-4238.

HEALTH

Montgomery County Health Department is using an appointment system for immunizations Immunizations remain free for residents. Call the Health Center nearest you to make an appointment: Norristown - 610-278-5145; Pottstown - 610-979-5040 or Willow Grove - 215-784-5415.

Free, informative, spinal care workshops on such topics as fibromyalgia, migraines, overall health and more will be given by Dr. Benjamin Grisafi, 6:15 p.m. at 507 W. Germantown Pike, East Norriton. Information: 610-275-3355.

RESALE SHOPS

Belfry Bargains Thrift Shop, operated by the Church of the Messiah, Route 202, just south of Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd, is open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Clothing, toys, bric-a-brac, housewares and collectibles. Donations also accepted. Information: 215-699-3441.

Crossroad Gift & Thrift Shop, 139 W. Main St., Norristown, a registered nonprofit thrift store, sells clothing for the whole family, small household items and furniture, Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with proceeds benefiting Mennonite Central Committee, a worldwide relief and service agency. MCC’s Counter-Top Collection Box Project for now is for support of churches and partner organizations to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS to provide treatment and nutrition for those who are ill for children who have been orphaned by AIDS. Visitors’ loose change helps greatly. Information: 610-275-3772.

Marian’s Attic, 255 Town Center Road, Valley Forge Shopping Center, King of Prussia, is open for donations and sales of gently used clothing, jewelry, decorator items, collectibles, artwork and housewares. Tax receipts are given. Shop hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The shop benefits the programs of Laurel House, which provides a safe haven for abused women and their children. Information: 610-337-3068.

Conshohocken Recovery AA Group meets 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Fourth and Harry streets, Conshohocken, for those with alcohol and drug problems.

King of Prussia Alcoholics Anonymous meetings take place 7 a.m. daily at Upper Merion Baptist Church, Valley Forge and Gen. Steuben roads, King of Prussia, and at noon at Church of Christ, 590 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, Monday through Friday.

Nar-Anon family group meeting, Bryn Mawr Group, 8:30 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer, New Gulph and Pennswood roads, Bryn Mawr. Beginners meet at 7:30 p.m. For further listing information or to leave message, call the Nar-Anon Hot Line at 215-446-8452.

Women coping with or surviving domestic violence meet Mondays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., in two Montgomery County locations. No charge. For information, call 1-800-642-3150.

Co-Dependents Anonymous Chestnut Hill Group meets 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Teenagers Inc., 105 Bethlehem Pike, Chestnut Hill, across the street from the Chestnut Hill East train station. Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence and the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. Information: Chuck S. at 267-253-9562 or visit chcoda@cavtel.net.

Suicide Anonymous, a 12-step program to help people end chronic thoughts of suicide and death, meets first and third Mondays of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Montgomery County Human Services Center, Conference Room C, 1430 DeKalb St., Norristown. Entrance and parking off Fornance Street. Information: 484-580-8049.

Tender Transitions, a support group for all new moms, meets 11 a.m. Mondays at Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, 1600 E. High St., Pottstown, in the Maternity and Women’s Health Center, second floor. Information: 610-327-7213.

TUESDAY, JAN. 8

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Little Hoots program for childen ages 3 and up with an adult will be at 1 p.m. at Norristown Farm Park (meet at the office) Barley Sheaf Dr. & Germantown Pike, East Norriton. Children can take a ‘first look’ at owls., touch an owl feather, examine an owl skull and look at a pellet, hear a story and make an owl craft, take a short walk outside to look for owl habitat. Fee: $5 per child. Pre-registration is required: 610-270-0215.

Danielle Charry, of the Lincoln Center will be at Montco SAAC, 536 George St., Norristown, at 10:30 am, and give her no-nonsense approach to a happy, and sensible, New Year. Information: 610-275-1960.

Lower Providence Community Library, 50 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, offers story time is at 10:30 a.m. for infants to age 2 and at 11:15 a.m. older 2s and 3-year-old. Information: 610-666-6640 or www.lowerprovidencelibrary.org.

Perkiomen Valley Library at Schwenksville, corner of Second and Church streets in Schwenksville, holds an infant storytime for ages 6 to 24 months, in the children’s section of the library, at 11 a.m. A family storytime for all ages is held on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Information: 610-287-8360 or www.pvlibrary.net.

William Jeanes Library, 4051 Joshua Road, Lafayette Hill, has Babes and Bibs Storytime at 11:15 a.m. for babies up to about 1-year old and their caregivers for half hour of songs, movement and books. Bring library card to take home some materials to share with baby. Free, registration required. Hatha yoga is offered 3:30 p.m. for experienced yogies and beginners who are able to sit on the floor and stand. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel. Cost: $5, can be paid at the class or in advance. Information: 610-828-0441 or www.jeaneslibrary.org.

Clothes Closet at New Hope Baptist Church, Oak and Green streets, Norristown, is open 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for distribution of clean, used clothes. Persons wishing to donate clean items only may bring them to the church from 10 to 11 a.m.

ORGANIZATIONS

The Norristown Chorale resumes rehearsals for the 2013 spring season 7 to 9 p.m.at First Baptist Church of Norristown, 445 Burnside Ave., West Norriton. The non-profit, community oriented ensemble membership is open to adults and high school students who love to sing in four-part harmony. Music reading skill is helpful but not required - practice CD’s will be made available as needed. Information at www.norristownchorale.com, or by calling 610-650-8240

LeTip of King of Prussia meets for business networking 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m Tuesdays at Michael’s Deli, 130 Town Center Road, King of Prussia. Information: 215-527-8916.

LeTip Great Valley, a professional referral network, meets 7:01 to 8:31 a.m. Tuesdays for breakfast and networking at Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, 1600 Paoli Pike, Malvern.

LeTip of Spring House holds a breakfast meeting Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Pied Piper II, 709 N Sumneytown Pike North Wales. LeTip is a professional organization with the primary purpose of giving and receiving qualified business leads. Information: 215-996-0830.

LeTip International Plymouth Meeting Chapter meets Tuesdays at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell. Arrive, 7 am.; meeting officially begins 7:16 a.m.; ends, 8:31 a.m. LeTip is a professional organization of men and women dedicated to the “highest standards of competence and service,” with the purpose of exchanging business tips, leads and referrals. The group is seeking new members in a number of categories. Guests always welcome.

Chronic Pain Anonymous, a 12 step group for anyone suffering from chronic illness, meets at 7 p.m. at Valley Forge Medical Center on Germantown Pike in East Norriton. Main entrance at the back end of campus. Information: Tom Hudson at 610-539-8500.

Domestic violence support group for women coping with or surviving domestic violence, meets every Tuesday night, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at a confidential Montgomery County location. No charge. Information: 1-800-642-3150.

King of Prussia Alcoholics Anonymous meetings take place 7 a.m. daily at Upper Merion Baptist Church, Valley Forge and Gen. Steuben roads, King of Prussia, and at noon at Church of Christ, 590 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, Monday through Friday.

Lunch Break Al-Anon for family and friends of alcoholics meets 12 to 12:45 p.m. at King of Prussia Church of Christ, 590 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia. Information: 484-831-5385.

Food Addicts Anonymous, a support group for individuals who have a problem controlling the way they eat, with no dues, fees or weigh-ins, has a community public information meeting, 7:30 to 9 p.m. weekly at Mother of Divine Providence Church McGrory Hall, 333 Allendale Road, King of Prussia. Information: Rose at 610-272-0448 or visit www.foodaddicts.org.